Kim Chiu Tears Up During Her Speech at the Seoul International Drama Awards

It’s pretty much a local tradition by now to take a win for one as a win for all—and that’s exactly what happened for Kim Chiu last September 25 at the KBS Hall in the Seoul International Drama Awards. The actress graced the international stage clad in a dreamy pink Francis Libiran gown as she accepted the Most Outstanding Asian Star award. In her emotional speech, she shared the honor with fans and those she’s had the opportunity to work with.

On her ABS-CBN and Star Magic family 

She first thanked her ABS-CBN and Star Magic family, along with Direk Lauren, for always believing in her. Kim also made sure to show appreciation for the team behind Linlang. “From the creatives, writers, directors, staff, to my co-stars… without your hard work, guidance, passion, and vision, none of this would be possible,” she said. “I share this honor with every single one of you.”

On the overwhelming support from fans

Kim’s fans have also clearly been a huge part of her journey as an artist, and she included them in the speech as well. This is clearly seen in her IG post about the award, where she received tons of congratulatory messages.  

“To my ever-loving, supportive fans, this award is also for you,” she said during her speech in Seoul. She went on to say how grateful she was for the unconditional love and unwavering belief that they’ve given her—both of which “have always been (her) source of strength.” 

On dedicating the award

The most emotional part of her speech was perhaps when Kim thanked Deo Endrinal (known to her as Sir Deo), the former head of Dreamscape Entertainment who sadly passed away in February of this year. Kim couldn’t seem to hold back her tears as she talked about his influence on her. Not only was he a mentor and a boss to her, but he had also been someone she considered a dear friend.

“He’s the one who always pushed me to be my best,” she said.  She shared how Sir Deo’s guidance was centered around doing her best through hard work, and then through kindness. Kim dedicated the award to him, humbly expressing how she wouldn’t have been on the KBS Hall stage right at that moment if it hadn’t been for his trust in her. 

It may have taken a village for Kim to get such recognition internationally, but it is definitely a moment to be proud of. “This is a dream come true for me,” Kim said, “to represent ABS-CBN, and my country, Philippines. Maraming salamat po.”

In Linlang, Kim plays the role of Juliana Alcantara-Lualhati whose affair her husband (Victor Lualhati, played by Paulo Avelino) is investigating. 

Kim won in the online voting for the Outstanding Asian Star (Philippines category) at the Seoul International Drama Awards 2024, garnering 65.03% of the votes. 

Other Asian artists who reigned supreme in the voting results for Outstanding Asian Star included Lovely Runner stars Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon for Korea, Ochi Rosdiana for Indonesia, Siti Saleha for Malaysia, Win Metawin for Thailand, and Desmond Tan for Singapore.

Text by Tim Marasigan

Lead photos from @chinitaprincess @starmagicphils